In today’s episode, Andreas Munk Holm talks with Enis Hulli, General Partner at e2vc, and Akin Babayigit, Co-founder of Tripledot Studios. Akin brings a wealth of experience from his journey across Turkey, the U.S., and the U.K., while Enis provides insights into the evolving ecosystems of Turkey and Eastern Europe. Together, they discuss how mobile gaming has emerged as a massive industry driven by a unique blend of creativity and data analytics and how the sector’s scale and business models differ significantly from traditional console and PC gaming.
In this conversation, Akin and Enis delve into the latest trends reshaping mobile gaming, including the rapid adoption of AI to enhance gameplay and optimize monetization strategies. They also discuss the launch of Arcadia Gaming Advisors, a new $100 million fund designed to drive the next wave of innovation in gaming.
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✍️ Show notes
What Makes Gaming a Vast and Misunderstood Industry?
Gaming is often seen through a narrow lens, but as Akin explains, the industry is much larger and more dynamic than many realize. He highlights that gaming isn’t just about consoles or PCs—mobile gaming is a massive market on its own, worth hundreds of billions of dollars. This industry is frequently misinterpreted in terms of its scale and the unique ways its different segments operate.
Beyond just size, Akin points out that the business models vary widely between platforms. Mobile gaming, for example, can reach billions of users almost instantly and is built on a delicate mix of creativity and analytics. This blend drives the success of individual games and creates a vibrant ecosystem full of opportunities for those with the right information edge.
How Personal Journeys and Relationships Shape Gaming Investments
Akin and Enis share a deep personal history that underscores the importance of relationships in the gaming world. Their friendship, which started from unexpected encounters and early career struggles, has blossomed into a fruitful professional collaboration. Both have leveraged their unique journeys—from Akin’s roots in Turkey and his transatlantic experiences to Enis’s early challenges and perseverance—to build a strong foundation in gaming investments.
Their individual stories are more than just personal anecdotes; they reflect how diverse backgrounds can lead to innovative investment strategies. By combining their experiences from different cultures and markets, they’ve created a dynamic approach that resonates with founders and investors, proving that personal connection can be a powerful driver in the tech and gaming ecosystems.
Why Mobile Gaming Offers Unmatched Opportunities
Mobile gaming is a unique space where rapid distribution and scalability create unparalleled opportunities. Akin emphasizes that if the product is excellent, mobile games can instantly be distributed to billions of people. This platform shift is revolutionary, transforming gaming into an industry where market reach and speed are key factors for success.
The conversation also points out that mobile gaming isn’t simply an extension of traditional gaming—it’s an entirely different beast. The ease of reaching a massive audience and innovative monetization strategies like advertising and alternative payment models make mobile gaming a goldmine for investors who understand its distinct dynamics.
The Role of Creativity and Data in the Gaming Studio Model
Akin compares a modern gaming studio to a hybrid between a movie studio and a hedge fund—a perfect marriage of creativity and data-driven decision-making. This unique combination means that success in gaming isn’t solely about having a great idea; it’s about continuously iterating and refining that idea with precise analytics.
He explains that game development today is as much a science as an art. Studios must continuously test, adapt, and improve their games based on real user data, making it a fast-paced environment where innovative storytelling and rigorous analytics play equally crucial roles in building engaging experiences.
How Regional Talent and Ecosystems Drive Gaming Innovation
The conversation addresses the talent ecosystems in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and Israel. Akin and Enis discuss how local conditions, such as a young, well-educated population and a strong tradition in creative storytelling, create an environment ripe for gaming innovation. They compare Turkey’s burgeoning gaming scene to established tech hubs like Israel, noting that regional success stories have a powerful ripple effect.
This regional talent pool not only fuels the growth of local gaming studios but also attracts investors who recognize the potential for global impact. As local ecosystems mature, they serve as fertile ground for startups to innovate and scale, proving that great ideas and execution aren’t confined by geography.
What Investment Strategies Work Best in the Gaming Sector?
Investing in gaming requires a tailored approach, as Akin explains that the best opportunities often demand larger funds to secure meaningful stakes in high-growth companies. Since top gaming studios typically need substantial capital to fuel content creation and rapid iteration, smaller funds can struggle to participate effectively.
Akin’s experience as an investor highlights the importance of having a deep information edge. His strategy balances risk and reward by focusing on early-stage opportunities and, later, more mature rounds. This thoughtful allocation allows him to back companies with creative potential and operational prowess to scale rapidly in a highly competitive market.
How Is AI Reshaping the Future of Gaming?
Both Akin and Enis are excited about AI's potential in the gaming world. They see AI as more than just a tool for enhancing creative processes—it’s poised to redefine the very core of gameplay. From dynamic difficulty adjustments to hyper-personalized experiences, AI can tailor games to individual users in ways never seen before.
This next wave of innovation isn’t just about streamlining production or cutting costs; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how games are designed and played. As gaming studios start to integrate AI into their live operations, the industry could witness a shift that makes experiences more engaging, adaptive, and, ultimately, more fun for players around the globe.
Why a Global Perspective is Essential for Gaming Investments
Akin and Enis underscore that a global approach is crucial in an industry as interconnected as gaming. They note that while each region—the U.S., Europe, Turkey, or Israel—brings its strengths to the table, no single market can capture the full potential of gaming innovation. This cross-border collaboration is key to tapping into diverse talent pools and creative ideas.
They also point out that successful gaming investments often require leveraging opportunities from multiple regions. Whether accessing unique talent, understanding local market dynamics, or building a broad network of founders, having a global perspective ensures investors can spot the next big trend and back companies set to redefine the industry worldwide.
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